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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 13 Nov 2005
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Advice for a trip through Mexico
Dear Experienced Motorcyclists,
I am planning a trip from the border of Mexico to the Panama Canal. I was wondering if I could get some advice on my bike. I have a Suzuki GS 500. Its been on several trips from Salt Lake City, Ut. to Vegas, NV, to California. I love it because I know how to fix it. But is a bike that small going to be what I want to ride all the way to the Panama Canal from the U.S./Mexico border? Or should I think about upgrading to a different model. Thanks experience travelers.
Sincerly
Josueangel
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  #2  
Old 13 Nov 2005
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Jose,

that bike is anything but "too small" in fact it's just about right!

Most North Americans have the mistaken idea that they need a "big" bike to travel outside of USA/Canada on - nonsense - small is good - there are no high speed freeways out of the US and Canada, instead there's small twisty roads, with lots of traffic in town, and a big bike is a negative, not a plus 98% of the time. Smaller bikes are easier to ride, cheaper to maintain, fuel and fix.

Go - your bike is just right.

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Grant Johnson

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One world, Two wheels.
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  #3  
Old 18 Nov 2005
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 45
Josueangel,
A gs500e would be great for that trip. It is light and has good range/fuel economy. Like Grant Johnson said you won't be doing a lot of high speed cruising down there, but if you could the gs would be up to the task. I once rode an old, abused and already high-mileage gs500e 12,000 miles across the U.S. and Canada in one busy summer (mostly on highways), and I had zero problems cruising at between 75 to 80 m.p.h. even on very hot days (120 F). Though your fuel mileage will be pretty poor at this speed. Don't underestimate your gs, check the oil, make sure the small hamster that powers the engine is happy and well fed, and she will take you where ever you want to go!
Have a great trip,
Nate
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  #4  
Old 24 Nov 2005
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I toured europe with an XT600. Your GS will be just fine. Plus you know the bike, how it handles and how to fix it, which is a big plus when on a long distance adventure.

Ride safe, take pictures, try local food (and girls), and have lots of fun!

Cheers,
Alberto
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  #5  
Old 24 Nov 2005
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Location: Cotopaxi, CO, USA
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I once rode from Denver Colorado to New Orleans and back on a Honda CX500. Did just fine. Small bikes are fine for trips, and I agree with what the others have said about your experience with it, gas mileage, simplicity etc. Be sure suspension and tires are in tiptop shape for that unmarked tope you´ll find somewhere along the line in Mexico.
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  #6  
Old 25 Nov 2005
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Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
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Tell you what...
I live in Oaxaca. If you find that by the time you get this far south, that 500 is too small for you, I'll be happy to take it off your hands...
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